Happy December 5: International Volunteers day!

I want to take this opportunity to say a huge "THANK YOU!" to every single one of Greenpeace's 14,637 volunteers around the world, for their incredible contribution to making the world a more green and peaceful place.

In addition to the donations from our financial supporters, and the vocal support from millions of our cyberactivists, Greenpeace simply could not operate without our volunteers who donate so much of their time and energy to Greenpeace every month.

"I really like to be active for a great and strong organisation as Greenpeace is. This way I can not only influence my direct surrounding, but can move environmental issues on an international scale. And above all, I get to know so many fantastic, creative, interesting people." - Kerstin Lehmann, Greenpeace Volunteer, 44 years old

Our incredible volunteers include a hundreds of activists trained and ready to take non-violent direct action, as well as thousands more who raise awareness and who take practical and political action in their local communities. Together, they run stalls; organise solar panel installations; collect petition signatures and letters; organize rallies, vigils and movie screenings; they lobby their politicians, and they give talks about Greenpeace’s work to schools and interetested community groups. And often, our on-ground volunteers are donors and cyberactivists too!

We know that the 3000 Greenpeace staff around the world can’t fix all the planets problems from our campaign offices and ships alone. If we are going to usher in a new era of sustainability, we need more and more people to become activists – in their personal lives, in their communities and organisations, and in business and politics.

“There is one very strong belief for me: individuals can change the world with their own abilities and faith that they can do it. For me Greenpeace means the individuals. That is why I participate." Míra Vavroch, Greenpeace Volunteer

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Note: If there isn’t a local Greenpeace office in your area (or in your country), we’re very sorry – we only wish that we could grow bigger, faster, but like all organisations we have limited resources! Instead, you could consider volunteering for Greenpeace online: sign up with Greenpeace International or your national Greenpeace office. Or you could start a local group or campaign with some like-minded friends, or find another local eco-group to get involved with!